Clinton waxes nostalgic about Worcester

WORCESTER -- Bill Clinton returned to the city that embraced him in 1998, as he fought off impeachment proceedings, this time to throw his political weight behind Deval L. Patrick.

It was the former president's second visit to the state in a little more than a week to raise money and stump for the Democratic gubernatorial candidate.

Last night, Mayor Timothy P. Murray of Worcester, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, introduced Clinton to the crowd at the DCU Center.

"He is certainly no stranger to this city," Murray said. "In 1998 Bill Clinton came to Mechanics Hall, and we gave him a boost. He came back in December of 1999 and helped us through one of the darkest moments this city has ever seen, when the staggering loss of six firefighters ripped at our hearts."

As Clinton took the stage, the crowd of students and some 12,000 Democratic supporters applauded thunderously and waved small American flags and blue-and-white "Together We Can" posters.

"I love this city; the people have been very good to me," Clinton said. "When the Republicans tried to run me out of Washington, I came to Worcester, and 20,000 people greeted me."

In a 30-minute speech before a local fund-raising event with US House minority leader Nancy Pelosi of California, Clinton talked about global warming, terrorism, and the first time he met John F. Kennedy. He acknowledged a small group of students from Wellesley College, alma mater of his wife, US Senator Hillary Clinton of New York.

He also talked about Patrick, who headed his Civil Rights Division from 1994 to 1997.

Clinton's speech was interrupted several times by applause, especially when he talked about Patrick's lead in the polls.

"I am happy to see that the lead that Tim Murray and Deval Patrick had has grown, despite the negative ads," Clinton said.

He concluded the speech by saying: "Don't be satisfied with a victory for Deval and Tim. Make it as big as you can."

Earlier, Patrick stepped on stage before Clinton arrived.

"I have to say my piece before the president comes out, because I have to get back to Boston for a candidates debate," Patrick said. "It's a pretty heavy thing for a kid from the south side of Chicago to have a president stump for you."

Patrick spoke for 15 minutes, attacking what he called the negative campaign of his Republican opponent , Kerry Healey .

"We are about putting aside the politics of fear and division," he said.

After Clinton spoke, one audience member, James Murphy, a nurse from Charlton City, and Lenny Golder, a lawyer from Stow, sat in their seats and chatted about the president as the crowd filed out.

"Clinton is so gifted; it never ceases to amaze me," Murphy said. "If he could only run again."

Golder said: "He's a master orator and politician. He's like the dean of the Democratic Party."